Monthly Archives: March 2015

Rajasthan celebrated its foundation day with Governor Kalyan Singh as the Chief Guest along with Ms. Vasundhara Raje. Ms. Krishnedra Kaur (State Tourism Minister) enlightened the evening as the Guest of Honor.

The Department of Tourism, Government of Rajasthan had organized an extravagant function on this occasion. There were folk dance performances, followed by seven tableaus from seven different divisions of Rajasthan – Ajmer, Bharatpur, Bikaner, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Kota and Udaipur. There was a daring acrobatic act by the Daredevil Motorcycle.

The budding school students walked neck to neck with the police for the band performances. The celebrations ended with a synchronized light and song show at the Vidhan Sabha.

As Rajasthan celebrates its 65th Rajasthan Diwas this year on 30thMarch 2015, we tell you the magnificent journey of 64 years. What makes Rajasthan so unique is its colorful culture, rich heritage and one of the tourist hubs. The state dazzles in its beauty and every glimpse is captures with due importance.

1. FAIRS AND FESTIVALS

Rajasthan is a state which is known for the richness of traditions, and diverse culture. All the festivals are celebrated with joy, enthusiasm, zeal and zest. Some major fairs and festivals are Pushkar Fair, Jaisalmer Desert Fair, Gangaur, Teej, Marwar Festival, Holi and the list goes on.

2. CUISINES

One cannot leave Rajasthan without tasting its food which is known for it spiciness and rich flavor. Rajasthani cuisine is mainly vegetarian but can be put together in a variety of mouthwatering dishes. A sweet is a must which is complemented with every meal. Some relishing dishes are dal bati churma which is a well known delicacy all around the world. Every region in Rajasthan has its own speciality and taste.

3. FORTS, MONUMENTS & PALACES

Rajasthan is well known for its historically rich ‘Forts and Palaces’. The forts of Rajasthan tell stories about the kings and queens and their journey during their period of reign. Each and every fort and fortress has a unique and unparalleled story behind it. Some monuments of Rajasthan are well recognized due to recognition by UNESCO, namely – Jantar Mantar (Jaipur), Kumbhalgarh fort, etc.

4. FOLK MUSIC AND DANCES

The folk music and dance are important part of our culture and thus performed at every occasion, may it be a birth of a new born, anniversary or a welcome to the new season. The famous dance form of Rajasthan is Kalbelia, Terahtaali, Ghoomar, Chari, etc. Though dance is not the only art, music is considered important in the state of Rajasthan.

5. WILDLIFE

Rajasthan is an abode to a number of species. It is known for diverse flora and fauna. Rajasthan lying in a desert region and having a varied topography is a home to various species. The Ranthambore National Park and Sariska Tiger Reserve are well known wildlife sanctuaries in this dry- arid region.

6. HAND BLOCK PRINTING & BLUE POTTERY

Rajasthan is famous for its art and craft. Hand block printing, especially Bagru pint with floral and leaf motifs are seen and worn by a large number. Another recognized traditional art is of blue pottery, which has its origins from Rajasthan in India. In it the color blue and its shades are kept as the base color. Lehariya is also a style which originated from the land of Rajasthan.

7. MUSEUMS

Museums are built to showcase the in-depth history of a place and to know about its culture. The museums of Rajasthan throw limelight to its rich heritage and varied, and diversified culture. Rajasthan is known worldwide for 1st silver museum in the world, situated in Udaipur. Not to forget the oldest museum of the state- Albert Hall, Jaipur is known for its rare articles. The other museums include- Government Museum in Jodhpur & Ajmer, Maharaja Sawai Mansingh Museum in Jaipur, etc.

If you are planning for a weekend getaway or a trip to royal Rajasthan – Narlai is the right place of which you might not be aware of.Narlai is a small village surrounded by the oldest Aravalli range in Pali district, Rajasthan. It lies in between Udaipur and Jodhpur. Narlai is a perfect holiday destination to enjoy and experience a Rajasthani village life with the best equestrian Marwari horses and its splendid folk tales. This 17th century village gives a perception of the rural Rajasthan and the visit to this small hamlet would surely leave you spellbound.

Although Narlai is a small village, there are many places one could visit. Narlai is well known for its old temples, step wells and marble archways. The most famous of all Jain temples is Adinath Jain Temple which is situated at the main entrance of the village. There are other Jain temples which have historical importance and are also known for their archaeological structures and ancient scripts. A 15 day festival on Holi every year is a significant feature at the Ai Mata Ka Mandir, which is a popular temple among the Hindus.

Narlai has other significant places like Ghoradara Dam, which is situated at a distance of approximately 3 km. As Narlai lies between Jodhpur and Udaipur, the district of Pali has a small town of Ranakpur, which has the Surya Narayan Temple as its main tourist attraction.

So if you are ready to experience the real rural Rajasthan and want to bask in its beauty, Narlai is the right place to taste the true flavor of Rajasthan and relish its hospitality.

The Mewar Festival is celebrated with liveliness and vitality in Udaipur. The city of lakes is lit with bright colors. Though this festival coincides with the festival of Gangaur, it has its own importance in the Mewar region. The ceremonies of Mewar festival are quite similar to that of Gangaur. The dressed Isar (Lord Shiva) and Gangaur (Parvati/ Gauri) are carried in a procession and immersed in Lake Pichola. As all the religious ceremonies and offerings are over, people assemble and get together to enjoy the various folk dances and other cultural activities. The day ends with an amazing show of fireworks and people enjoy this festival with zeal, energy and excitement.

Gangaur is celebrated in Rajasthan, Gujrat and Madhya Pradesh in India but is famous all around the world. People get together to celebrate this festival irrespective of their caste and join to be a part of it. The celebrations of this festival start from the very first day of Chaitra month of the Hindu calendar. This 18 day long festival is celebrated on a grand scale in Jaipur.

Gangaur, the term is derived from ’Gan’ meaning Shiva and ‘Gaur’ meaning Gauri / Parvati. People worship Lord Shiva and and Goddes Parvati. It is considered a very auspicious festival especially for women. Newly married women often fast for all the 18 days for the welfare, good health and long life of their husbands. Some women also fast for a happy married life. At times even the unmarried girls fast to get good and supportive husbands in future. All the women get decked up in new dressed and wear heavy jewellery.

The Gangaur festival of Jaipur is famous and popular all over the world. There is a grand and magnificent procession which starts from the Zanani- Deodhi, in City Palace which passes through Tripolia Bazaar, Chhoti Chaupar, and Chaugan Stadium and finally rests near Talkatora. It is followed by the palankeen, dressed elephants, and various folk dances. Ghewar is a special sweet which is known for this festival. There are some clay models of Isar in the market. The can be purchased from the potter’s shop in the market. It will be celebrated on 22nd March 2015.

“The book Soul of Rajasthan took me on a fanciful journey of Rajasthan that made me crave for a visit to the colourful and vibrant state Rajasthan!” said one of our first few readers after having a close review of the book Soul Of Rajasthan.

After the roaring success of the first edition of ‘Soul of Rajasthan’, the leading branding and marketing firm, Pathfynder announces the launch of Soul of Rajasthan – Second Edition.

The second edition of Soul Of Rajasthan is a more beautiful journey that takes you through different faces of Rajasthan. With the addition of new chapters like – Turban Tales, the new edition has become more intriguing, while the heritage, cuisines, festivals, forts & palaces, pilgrimage and other main attractions maintain that gripping effect of the book.

The launch event of the book is being held at Mool Foundation on 21st & 22nd March’15 from 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. This book is a beautiful journey that takes you through different faces of Rajasthan. The free reading sessions will take on the beautiful journey of Rajasthan through different chapters.

The book comprises 144 pages, 143 photographs out of which 117 photographs have been clicked by Gaurav Hajela, the Founder of Pathfynder and a renowned photographer who has been awarded in various photography competitions.

The launch event will see the glitterati of Jaipur from various fields like art, photography, marketing, social media, etc. The book ‘Soul of Rajasthan’ has a strong presence on social media platforms viz. Facebook, Instagram along with its own website.

Pathfynder cordially invites you all for the coverage of Launch of Soul of Rajasthan – Second Edition at Mool Foundation, Jaipur on 21st-22nd March from 10 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.

The chief minister, Vasundhara Raje has decided to cancel a week long extravagant Rajasthan Festival. Due to excessive crop damage, loss of human life and cattle, the amount put in for the celebrations of Rajasthan Festival would rather be used for relief of this calamity. The Department of Tourism, Government of Rajasthan will only be celebrating the Rajasthan Diwas (30 March). Rajasthan will be glittering in its glory and throwing light to its history.